Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Washington, IA | July, 2025

Electricity Costs in Washington, IA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The average monthly cost for electricity in Washington is $125.08, with typical usage at 743 kWh. Please note that the energy usage for apartments and other smaller living spaces is included in this figure.

The average rate for electricity in Washington, IA during July, 2025 is 16.83¢ per kWh.

The typical energy consumer in Washington will need a 6 kW or more solar setup to cover their entire energy consumption needs. The starting price for a 6 kW solar system will be $22,680, but after receiving a 30% federal tax credit, your expense drops to $15,876.

Are solar panels worth it in Iowa?

For those expecting to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is a smart choice in Washington. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Washington, IA, you might save $16,789.2 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at approximately 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Washington, IA

If you don't have solar panels or an alternate backup power source, you miss out on the aforementioned savings and your household is completely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news reports have shown that total reliance on your utility is not always the best situation.

Each year, utility customers in Washington County have encountered an average of 0.98 outages per year. On average, an outage lasts 103.1 minutes. When major events such as wildfires, wildlife damage, or equipment failure occur, these durations can increase significantly

A solar panel system could lessen the burden of future outages, even if it is without a backup battery.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in Washington, IA?

Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is decreased as the system size expands. Many consumers realize it's a smart idea to install a solar system that can generate enough power to fully cover their electric bill, because it helps them reduce costs.

Make & Model - Similar to many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels to choose from. The installer’s preference for brand makes it essential to select a reputable company. Choosing better quality materials usually ensures a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have established themselves as the industry standard, and for good reasons. Although they are pricier, they generate increased energy. Most installers use panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges like trees, irregular terrain, or other impediments can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Solar installers currently commonly use satellite imagery to assess your home and include these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The differing wages that companies give their employees result in costs that are inevitably passed on to consumers. It is typical for companies that offer higher wages to get better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will influence the cost of your installation. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.